Are you interested in studying in the USA on a scholarship? Numerous American universities and organizations offer fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs for international students from Africa and developing countries. Here is a list of some top fully funded scholarships available for international students in the USA for the year 2023:
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Stanford University: This program provides comprehensive support to economically disadvantaged students from Africa. The Scholars Program at Stanford University will support five undergraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa each year.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU): ASU welcomes undergraduate students from seven African nations as the first class of MasterCard Foundation Scholars. The program provides academically talented, yet financially disadvantaged students from Africa with access to high-quality education.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Michigan State University (MSU): Michigan State University offers full tuition scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa through the MasterCard Foundation partnership. 185 scholars will be supported throughout the nine-year program.
In addition to the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, there are other government scholarships available:
- The Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees or non-degree postgraduate studies. The grant covers tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
- The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree program for experienced professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through an exchange of knowledge and understanding with the U.S.
Furthermore, there are several scholarships available for African and non-African students, including:
- AAUW International Fellowship for Women: This fellowship award is granted to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are pursuing full-time study or research in the United States.
- Harambe Fletcher Scholarships for African Students USA: This is a full-tuition award for young African entrepreneurial leaders pursuing a master’s program at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
- 7UP Harvard Business School Scholarship for Nigerian Students: This scholarship is specifically for students admitted to the Harvard Business School MBA program.
- Global Scholars Program at Clark University Scholarships: Clark University offers this program for high school students who are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States. The program includes a scholarship and a guaranteed stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship.
To qualify for these fully funded scholarships, international students should demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. Each scholarship has its own specific eligibility requirements, including admission requirements and nationality restrictions.
To increase your chances of receiving a fully funded scholarship in the USA:
- Maintain a high GPA and perform well on standardized tests.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate leadership skills.
- Seek strong letters of recommendation.
- Research and apply for multiple scholarships.
- Submit a well-crafted application that highlights your achievements and qualifications.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
The application process for fully funded scholarships typically involves conducting research, preparing your application, submitting it by the deadline, attending an interview (if required), and accepting the scholarship offer.
Applying for fully funded scholarships in the USA is a great opportunity to pursue higher education without financial burdens. However, the competition is tough. Start your research early and meticulously prepare your application. With dedication and perseverance, you can make your dream of studying in the USA a reality.
Good luck!